White jade pendant "Wang Yizhi and the geese", Qing dynasty

A white jade pendant from Hetian, carved in one piece. It depicts a happy person standing next to a goose, nestled between its wings, caressing its head and maintaining a happy expression. The feathers and other elements are engraved or carved, with some parts carved with openwork. At one end there is a cord decorated with a bead (later). The scene refers to the parable ‘王羲之爱鹅’, meaning ‘Wang Yizhi and the geese’. It may also refer to the expression ‘平平安安’ which means stability and security. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) or later.  

Size: 4 x 2.3 x 4.3 cm

Weight: 54 g

Provenance: Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.